Music Roundup: Glasvegas ‘Shine Like Stars’ Once Again

Glasvegas has experienced a helluva lot since issuing their critically-acclaimed eponymous debut nearly three years ago. The raucous set charted at No. 2 in the UK and earned the Glaswegian indie rockers a Mercury Music Prize nomination. They also embarked on several whirlwind tours of the U.S. and Europe, while landing opening spots with the likes of U2, Echo & the Bunnymen and Muse. Frontman James Allanoverdosed at Coachella in 2009 and went missing for five days. And last year, drummer Caroline McKayleft the band for personal reasons (Jonna Löfgren replaced her). But here they stand, tougher than ever and still full of unbridled passion, and their highly-anticipated sophomore LP, EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\, touches upon the past with a fierce look toward the future.

However, the thought of getting back out there made Allan a little nervous. He recently told BBC Radio 6 that Glasvegas totally felt the pressure in recording a solid follow-up album. “I think if there’s any pressure then it’s one that isn’t a shallow pressure. It’s one that is in the right place,” he said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4NkIWGmdio&feature=related

In other music news:

– Also out this week in the U.S. is the fourth LP from the foxy British-American twosome, The Kills. Once again, we’re reminded that no one is cooler than Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince, for Blood Pressures picks up where 2008’s Midnight Boom left off, but with a richer, darker disposition. Check out the sauntering “Satellite” for more:

– Ever dreamed of remixing a David Bowie song? Come June 6, you’ll have a chance to do just that with his 1975 standout “Golden Years” via his fancy iOS app. The Golden Years EP featuring four new remixes plus the original will also be released. (Music Radar)

– Pet Shop Boys have signed on as openers for Take That‘s sold-out spring jaunt of the UK and Europe. Oh, how I wish I could see one of these shows! (Sky News)

– Also hitting the road this summer is Peter Gabriel. The English singer/songwriter will visit a dozen cities across the U.S. and Canada with his New Blood Orchestra, which is led by former Doctor Who orchestrator Ben Foster. (Digital Spy)

– London-born rapper Professor Green recently revealed that he had quite the “cancer scare” in March. He’s hoping that sharing such personal info will encourage other lads to take their health more seriously. (The Daily Star)

– When it comes to Lil Wayne, Jessie J can’t get enough. The English pop diva recently confessed to being “obsessed” with Weezy and says she’d jump at the chance to record with him. (Rap-Up)

– Now that his Twitter spat with Katy Perry is officially old news, Scottish dance guru Calvin Harris says he’s teaming up with Kelis for a one-off single. (Scotland’s Daily Record)

– Karen Elson has something extra special ready for Record Store Day on April 16. Jack White‘s missus will release a cover of Lou Reed‘s “Vicious” (including her own “In Trouble With the Lord”) on clear vinyl accented with peach rose petals. Sounds like a music collector’s dream. The previously-unreleased video for the Manchester-born singer’s haunting cut, “The Birds They Circle,” which was directed by her famous hubby during a Third Man Records session last year, also arrived this week. Perfect! (Beggars Group)

The Latest from Mind The Gap

America’s British population has taken to the web to voice its displeasure at news that U.S. candy giant Hershey has successfully blocked our much loved U.K.-produced chocolate from being exported to the land of the free.